England Unveil Ashes Squad: Pope Loses Vice-Captaincy, Surprise Pick Stokes Bold Australian Challenge

Harry Brook Named England’s Vice-Captain for Ashes Squad; Will Jacks Surprise Inclusion
By Lawrence Booth, Cricket Correspondent | Updated: 16:08 BST, 23 September 2025

Harry Brook has been elevated to England’s Test vice-captaincy, positioning him as Ben Stokes’ successor-in-waiting, as selectors unveiled a 16-man squad for the Ashes series in Australia. The announcement also included a surprise call-up for Surrey all-rounder Will Jacks, while Ollie Pope’s demotion from the deputy role raises questions about his place in the team.

[Image: Harry Brook celebrating a century]
Caption: Harry Brook’s stellar average of 57 in Tests earned him the vice-captaincy.

Brook’s Rise and Pope’s Uncertainty
Brook, 26, replaces Pope after impressing as stand-in captain during England’s white-ball wins over West Indies and South Africa. With 10 centuries in 30 Tests, his leadership partnership with head coach Brendon McCullum appears pivotal. The move signals long-term planning, with Brook likely to take the reins when Stokes—still recovering from a shoulder injury—eventually steps down.

Pope, meanwhile, faces pressure at No. 3 after averaging just 34 against India this summer. Rising star Jacob Bethell, who scored his first ODI century against South Africa, is now a strong contender for the role.

[Image: Ollie Pope batting]
Caption: Ollie Pope’s form dip has put his spot under scrutiny.

Jacks’ Shock Selection
Will Jacks’ inclusion is the squad’s biggest surprise. The 26-year-old, who played two Tests in Pakistan in 2022, edged out leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed. Jacks’ aggressive batting and part-time off-spin could prove valuable on Australian pitches. Though Shoaib Bashir remains the first-choice spinner, Jacks offers flexibility, aligning with England’s “Bazball” ethos.

Pace Attack and Absentees
England named a pace-heavy lineup, including returning quick Mark Wood, who has overcome a knee issue. Durham’s Matthew Potts replaces Chris Woakes, ruled out with a dislocated shoulder. Hampshire’s Sonny Baker, tipped for a call-up, also missed out. Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, and Josh Tongue join Wood in a seam battery aimed at unsettling Australia’s batters.

[Image: Will Jacks bowling]
Caption: Will Jacks’ all-round skills earned him a shock recall.

Squad Overview
Stokes, Brook, and senior stalwarts like Joe Root anchor a squad blending experience and youth. Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith retains his place after displacing Jonny Bairstow earlier this summer.

Full Ashes Squad:

• Captain: Ben Stokes
• Vice-Captain: Harry Brook
• Batters: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root
• All-rounders: Will Jacks, Jacob Bethell
• Wicketkeeper: Jamie Smith
• Bowlers: Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, Josh Tongue, Mark Wood

T20 Call-Ups and Road Ahead
Crawley, uncapped in T20s, headlines a 15-man squad for October’s New Zealand series. Rehan Ahmed joins the white-ball group in a consolation move after his Test omission.

England begin their Ashes campaign in Perth on November 21, aiming to reclaim the urn Down Under for the first time in a decade. With Stokes’ fitness under watch and Brook’s leadership rise, the stage is set for a gripping contest.

[Image: Ben Stokes during a training session]
Caption: Stokes’ recovery from injury will be crucial to England’s Ashes hopes.

Additional reporting by Daily Mail Sport.